Also:

Brick Has Landed

In the photo above, Mr. Johnso applauds his cast of total superstars after what I can only describe as a totally triumphant debut screening of Brick. A full report will follow at a time when I've had less to drink, and it isn't 2:00AM, but I will tell you this: in addition to seeing the best film EVER, we left a party just as Paris Hilton was arriving, and I saw Daniel Day Lewis and Pippin today. Plus, it's WINTER here in Park City!

Here is a piece of the writeup from Variety on the 22nd regarding Brick. Good Goin'!!

"...Meanwhile, the fest also gained heat as a number of high-profile pics that screened Friday and Saturday were already in hot pursuit by buyers.

Though no deals had closed, acquisitions execs were circling "The Matador," "Brick" and the Slamdance title "Mad Hot Ballroom."

...Modern-day film noir "Brick," from tyro helmer Rian Johnson and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Lukas Haas, seemed close to a deal this weekend. Lions Gate and Focus Features among others were circling "Brick" on Saturday being repped at fest by John Sloss' Cinetic Media.

"Rian Johnson's Brick is worth seeing, if only to lock in the director as definitely a talent to watch. The idea (high school noir, Sam Spade in high school) is quite brilliant, although it outstays its welcome. I have a feeling the film could grow into a little sleeper in the Donnie Darko fashion -- there's a lot to admire and enjoy." Wells reaction: Bullshit -- it's a clever little film, and accurately reflects the way 16 and 17 year-olds see their world, which is to say totally separate from adults and utterly caught up in their narrow social spectrum, but it's too smug for its own good.

So far, this is my favorite, including this bit from the Hollywood Reporter:

Under Johnson's articulate command, technical contributions are superb, most prominently cinematographer Steve Yedlin's luminous, charged framings which should be a major contender for the fest's cinematography award. Adding wicked counterpoint to the sleaziness is Nathan Johnson's music. Deliciously oozy woodwinds wrap and coil around the plot -- more devious charm in this hard-formed "Brick."